Yesterday, we completed the first part of his assessment which focused on his IQ. I was initially worried that he would get angry because it happened the last time at Shichida where he just scribbled on the test papers and refused to cooperate.
But my worries were unfounded as it went well and we were happy that his IQ was rated above average. His communication skills came out average but surprising, the scores for his problem solving abilities came out rather high and some of his answers even surprised us.
The psychologist who did the assessment was very professional and after going through the whole 3-hour exercise, I now understand why their charges are so high. The next step is to decide if we should proceed to have him assessed for the spectrum.
According to the psychologist, he appears normal but it could be masked because of his IQ level. There were some subtle signs like his rocking, hands flapping, slight tip toeing and obsessing with volcanoes that raised some red flags. So she’s going to do up a rough score and let us know if we should proceed any further. In any case, she feels that even if the assessment were to be positive, he will likely be a borderline case.
While I am mentally prepared, I still feel a tinge of sadness that my son could be different. I think his dad feels the same. Afterall, he looks so normal all the time and even his teacher has commented his improvement in social skills. As a matter of fact, I noticed that some of the children are quite fond of him. So if it wasn’t because we want to delay his primary one admission next year, we probably would never want to send him for this assessment. It’s hard to explain but part of it has to do with our denial.
Yet, like it or not, we just have to go through this for the sake of his future. We definitely want to defer his schooling for another year. In fact, the psychologist mentioned that children like him who scored average in their communication abilities may have to struggle harder. So the one year difference can hopefully give him a bit more headstart later. And hopefully, he will learn to become more participative during lessons in future.
Keep positive..! listen to your heart..
Comment by Mama BoK — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 @ 8:39 pm
I read an article in either TIME or Newsweek some time ago about how there are many children out there that are borderline cases. Because of the advances made in this area, we are able to diagnose now so early on, and with so many finer classifications than once we had. There is now a very fine line we tread between “quirky” kids and children with more severe disabilities. I personally know of some kids who show this same obssession about particular topics and who have some issues with following social norms. It appears to be “normal” these days to have kids like that in every class. So what I’m really trying to get at is, take heart. Whatever the outcome of the assessment, your boy really shouldn’t be really labelled any different than one of the less conventional kids in class. Delaying him a year sounds like a good idea - for you and for him. Hopefully all turns out for the best and you get the go-ahead to delay P1.
Comment by Hsin — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 @ 11:09 pm
information is power. with that, the point is deferment. no matter what, this deferment can only be a good thing. the dates just doesn’t make sense for your boy to start school so early.
Comment by imp — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 @ 12:34 am
This post really hit me, the honesty and the love. I hate assessments of any sort, but what you’re doing is brave and the right thing to do.
Comment by carrie — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 @ 5:29 am
Actually, you are a very brave mum, to put him through the test and trying to do the best for him.
I think if it was me, being the ‘kiasu’ one, I’ll probably just let my girls get to school earlier rather than trying to delay.
Hope all will be well.
Comment by zara's mama — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 @ 1:30 pm
Oh my goodness… you have just described my child. However my child’s obsession is currently sea creatures. He sticks with something for about 2 to 3 months and then usually moves on but sea creatures has been going obsessed over for 2 years now. He also does this with foods. For example, for the last 4 weeks he has only wanted to eat 2 scrambled eggs and 3 pieces of bacon EVERY night for dinner. He has finally tired of it and will no longer eat it at all. Did your little one have speech (articulation) problems? What about Occupational Therapy? Has he been seen by a therapist for sensory issues or motor control (personal space issues and body control)? My little one also suffers from social development issues but the other children in his preschool class love him to death.
Tracey: Hi. Mine has no speech problems but has some slight delay with motor skills and is rather shy. Suspected to be have borderline Asperger syndrome. Currently been evaluated by a psychologist. How about yours?
Comment by Tracey Stuckey — Thu, 8 May 2008 @ 2:40 am
[...] haven’t made any progress since the last assessment. His psychologist has been busy and I was caught up with work and stuff as well. It was only [...]
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